Medina Schools Announce March Students of the Month

April 4, 2019
Press Release

The Medina Teachers Association, the Medina Business Association and the Medina Central School District are proud to announce the March selections for Students of the Month. This award is a joint effort of these organizations to recognize students who go above and beyond to help teachers and fellow students succeed and enjoy school.

Della's Chocolates has graciously sponsored the award for March. This month students are being honored with this article, a Certificate of Achievement from the Medina Teachers' Association presented by President Joseph Byrne and from Medina CSD Mark Kruzynski presented a special pen and pencil. In addition, a representative from Della's Chocolates presented each student with a basket full of chocolate.

Nominated by Ann Marie Martillotta, Allison Harmon, Jamie Schechter, and Allison Woodburn of Oak Orchard was first grader, Phillip Shannon. Mrs. Martillotta shared that "Phillip is a kind, loving, and resilient young boy. The degree of emotional, behavioral, and academic growth that he has demonstrated over the past couple of months is truly remarkable. Phillip is able to express emotions, such as care, concern, and love for those around him. This is a rare and special quality in a young child. Phillip brings joy and happiness to every day. I could not be more proud of the student and person that he has developed into. Phillip is a bright light to all at Oak Orchard." Mrs. Harmon shared that "Phillip had a tough start to the year. First grade was a big adjustment for him. Recently, he has improved tremendously! He is completing his work and making good choices consistently. I am so proud of the progress that he has made. Mrs. Schechter shared Phillip has been working very hard over the last few months to be a good friend to students in his classroom. He has also worked really hard to complete assignments. He has received multiple papers with perfect scores. I am also really proud of Phillip for his positive attitude and unwillingness to give up." Mrs. Woodburn shared "Phillip has truly impressed me with his growth this year. He overcame struggles, and learned how to become a respectful, hard-working, and motivated student. Now Phillip not only completes all of his work willingly, but tries to make teachers proud by completing neat and correct work. He is so proud of himself when he finishes an entire paper and his writing is not only legible, but extremely neat! He truly has learned self-control and works hard daily to make good choices, be a kind friend, and make his teachers proud!"

From Wise Middle School Scott Gerdes nominated a fourth grade student, Bailee Simmons. When Mr. Gerdes indicated his reasons for nominating Bailee, he shared that she "is not only a wonderful student in that she always does what is asked of her, she is an incredibly hard worker, is always putting in the effort, and always stays focused. She also goes above and beyond what is expected of her. I recently had a new student in my classroom from Guatemala. The student speaks very little English and has struggled in her transition to a new school mainly due to the language barrier. Bailee has taken it upon herself to help out our new student. She is always making sure that she is made aware of what she needs to do and where she needs to be. Recently, Bailee even went home and looked up the Spanish translation of many English words. She took notes and today Bailee came in with those notes so she could better communicate with our new student. Bailee has kept referring to these notes and shares them with our new student to help make her feel more comfortable. Bailee's attitude towards her classmates, and her desire to make our new student feel a welcomed part of the group stands out as a student who has taken the step to go above and beyond."

From the High School, Xavier Fisher, a ninth grader, was nominated by Scott Benson. Mr. Benson reports that "Xavier is a 9th grader who works hard in math class. Week by week, he has been steadily raising his grades by taking good notes and completing every assignment. Xavier has become willing to try most any new math skill. He makes important connections between math concepts. Xavier is a great example to other students. He has shown that hard works pays off!"

Congratulations to this month's winners! The MTA, MBA and MCSD will continue the student of the month program throughout the school year. Be on the lookout for the next honorees in the coming months. Look for posters in the windows of Medina businesses identifying them as proud supporters of this program. Who will be the next outstanding Medina student to be honored?